SMALL TALK: Love Riding a Bike?

I love riding my bike. I’ve ridden hundreds of miles throughout the region and throughout various parts of the country. Whether it’s a leisurely ride along a local bike path, or getting friends together to go across the country for Ride the Rockies , bicycling is my passion. Exhilarating and freeing, thousands of others share my sentiments.

I didn’t know Sarah Rogers, but based on the outpouring of love following her death, I wish I did. Sara was gifted, possessed a unique skillset to music-lovers, and her passing a tremendous loss to the community. Sarah was fatally injured while riding a bike in Buffalo on June 17th. It’s always a shock to hear about a bicyclist being struck by a car when they least expect it.

Unfortunately, one dangerous aspect of biking is that we ride with our backs to traffic. While we walk against traffic, we ride with it. Without eyes in the back of our heads to see what’s coming, riding leaves us defenseless much of the time. We use all our senses when we ride. That also includes our ears to listen to what’s coming up from behind. It’s not always enough.

Thus, we need drivers to remain alert and vigilant, to operate their vehicles in their lane, and not on the shoulders. We also need drivers to understand that texting while driving is dangerous, causing drivers to drift onto the shoulder. Drivers must also be rested and aware of others on the road. Bikers have every right to be there, but the theoretical “right” to be on the road does not provide “protection” from fatal injuries.

In short, drivers must be responsible and exercise restraint. Mixing driving with other non-driving related activities increases the potential for disaster. Additionally, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting, and cell phone distractions are common dangerous violations. Let’s remind drivers not to operate a car in a way that needlessly endangers bikers.

I don’t know that this would have made a difference for Sarah Rogers. However, we should be aware of the ways we can protect bikers who are correctly, rightfully, and safely riding on our roads. Whether a beginner or seasoned bicyclist, having an advocate helps. Bicycling is my passion, helping people is my purpose, and my mission is being the person in your corner, and your advocate.

Here are some helpful tips - 4thebiker.

4 Fast Facts:

1. Most bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas
2. Adults ages 55-69 have the highest bicycle death rates
3. People ages 10-24 account for nearly one third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in US emergency department
4. Male bicyclists have death rates 6x higher and injury rates 5x higher than females (Source, US Dept. of Transportation, NHTSA)

4Safety Measures You Can Take Today

1. Wear your helmet
2. Make eye contact with drivers
3. Wear fluorescent clothing for increased visibility from distances during the day
4. NYS requires reflective tires or wide-angle spoke-mounted reflectors on bicycles, but adding reflective clothing and materials increases makes bikers more visible at night

4 Reasons to call Small Law Firm

1. We know New York law on biker’s rights and driver’s obligations
2. We represent riders who get hurt
3. We hold dangerous drivers accountable
4. We will advocate for biker’s rights, protections, and bike paths

Need help? Call 716-847-2600 or visit buffalobicycleattorney.com.